First baby born on the banks of the Cannon Ball River into the arms of the birthing mama.
What a beautiful blessing for the water protectors and camp.

"Babyna blessed the grounds and her relatives....born before dawn in her Ina's arms and warm teepee along the banks of the Cannon Ball River where our Lakota Dakota people have gathered power since the begining of our time. Mni Wiconi perfect health and balance. Wopida for the prayers, support family."- wrote on FB wall Indigenous Midwifery

Thousands of people have flocked from across the United States, Latin America and Canada to join the resistance camps opposing the construction of the $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline. Most are Native Americans representing hundreds of tribes from across the Americas.

The ongoing encampment is considered one of the largest gatherings of Native Americans in decades. People have set up multiple kitchens, a school that teaches Lakota languages and other subjects, and medical services to care for the thousands who come to join the resistance to the pipeline.

On Monday, a group of indigenous midwives posted online that the first baby was born in the camp. When Democracy Now! was in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, this weekend, we spoke with women and midwives about the importance of reproductive healthcare at the resistance camps.Source

Image Credit: Courtesy of @Indigenous Midwives via Facebook

The Cannonball River (Lakota: 'Íŋyaŋwakağapi Wakpá' is a tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 135 mi (217 km) long, in southwestern North Dakota in the United States.

It rises in the Little Missouri National Grassland, in the badlands north of Amidon in northern Slope County. It flows ESE past New England, Mott, and Burt. It is joined by Cedar Creek approximately 15 mi (24 km) southwest of Shields and flows northeast, past Shields, forming the northern border of Sioux County and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. It joins the Missouri in Lake Oahe near Cannon Ball. The cannonball concretions found in the vicinity of this river are the source of its name.

Tsi ge yu i, little one. Welcome to the world. Blessings upon you. Blessings to those who love you and to those who will grow to love you. May you always walk softly. May your words always be strong and pure.